Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Photoelectrochromic Polymer Containing the bis(2-(4-Pyridiniumyl)thiazole) Chromophore

Abstract

A new polymer and small molecules containing the chromophore bis(2-(4-pyridiniumyl)thiazole) were synthesized. Their tetraphenylborate salts showed absorption spectral changes in the visible to near-infrared region accompanying a colour change from yellow to green on steady photoirradiation. From electron spin resonance measurements and comparison with Molecular Orbital PACkage (MOPAC) calculations, this was assigned to the formation of bis(2-(4-pyridiniumyl)thiazole) radicals due to a photoinduced electron-transfer reaction from tetraphenylborate and decomposition of its oxidized form. Transient absorption spectra corresponding to those of tetraphenylborate salts were observed for bromide salts on femtosecond laser excitation of the polymer in solid films and solutions. The fastest decay of transient absorption due to back electron transfer was less than 1 picosecond.

Vibrant Macromolecular Science at the 30th Australasian Polymer Symposium

“…One is provided by the team of Davis and Bulmus, [4] who detail the end-group modification of thiocarbonyl thio groups via disulfide linkages, the other by the group of Barner-Kowollik, [5] who present a facile approach to convert well defined RAFT polymers into hydroxy terminated macromolecules. In two additional synthetically focussed articles -however not employing living radical polymerizationHayes [6] and his team present a method to prepare thermally responsive supramolecular polymers, whereas Nagamura and Sota [7] prepare photoelectrochromic polymers and determine their photophysical properties. Finally, Bompart and Haupt [8] summarize -in the form of a highlight article -the current state of the art in molecularly imprinted polymers, while McNally and colleagues review the current state of the art for the preparation and characterization of polymer carbon nanotube composites.…”